Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Guide

People have inhabited the area of the Democratic Republic of Congo for about 90,000 years, as evidenced by the Semliki (Katanda) harpoon found by archaeologists. The country features rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes, and has a complex history including Bantu kingdom societies, involvement in the slave trade, Belgian colonial rule, and later authoritarian regimes.

Kinshasa, the sprawling DRC capital, lies on the south bank of the Congo River directly opposite Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. The Congo River, made famous by explorer Henry Morton Stanley, remains a crucial transport route into the dense interior. The roads and railways built during Belgian rule, such as the Matadi-Stanley Pool line, are now largely in disrepair or overtaken by the jungle.

Everyday life in the DRC can be chaotic. This vast country, the third largest in Africa, now exists in a fragile peace after decades of conflict. In January 2019, Félix Tshisekedi took office following a disputed December 2018 election, marking the first peaceful transition of power since independence in 1960. This ended Joseph Kabila's 18-year presidency. Kabila's administration delayed elections and faced repeated protests.

Although the future remains uncertain, international investors continue to be attracted by the DRC's enormous mineral wealth. Tourism is growing but is largely limited by security concerns. One of the country's most notable attractions is Virunga National Park, established in 1925 as Africa's first national park. It remains one of the few places where visitors may see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Most tourism occurs in safer regions, while in Kinshasa, especially in the affluent Gombe district, diplomats, aid workers, and business travellers are well catered for.